Chapter 27
The ride back to the studio was too long and too quiet. My mind kept drifting to my mother and my family back home in Florida. Somehow, my life had changed drastically in a short period of time and it felt as if my mind was spinning.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Craig asked as he turned the car down another road.
I just shook my head, watching the scenery pass. It was great being in Nashville and I knew that I should be happier, but this was the first time that I'd ever been away from home. I had looked forward to being on my own my whole life, and now that it was here, my mind was back home in Florida.
"Homesick?" Craig just wouldn't give up.
"A little bit," I admitted as I cleared my throat to push down the lump there.
I felt his hand pat my shoulder, but I pulled away and didn't look to see if I had offended him. "I know how it is, but after a while, you'll get used to it here."
I turned to face him.
"After a while, Nashville will become your home."
I nodded. I looked over and we were at the studio as I breathed a sigh of relief. "We're here." As soon as the car came to a stop, I jumped out before Craig could run around to open my door, and started walking toward the studio, not waiting for him. A moment later, I felt him walking beside me, but he made no effort to touch me.
"Thanks for letting me use your phone," I said without looking at him.
"Anytime," he replied, and then he rushed ahead to open the door for me.
I nodded as I walked past and then headed straight back to the conference room, but no one was there.
"Frank's waiting for us in the control booth," Craig said, unbuttoning his suit coat. "Alyssa, if I did anything to offend you "
"No. It's not your fault," I said. Then, I turned to face him. "Look: let's just keep this professional. We can be friends, but nothing more."
He smiled. "I'm in a relationship, Alyssa." Then, he took a step closer to look in my eyes. "I truly was just trying to be a gentleman. I didn't mean to offend you."
I forced a smile. "Thank you. I apologize if I behaved badly. I'm not used to all of this, and I guess it's just going to take me some time."
"I understand," Craig said. "But the guy who gets you will be a very lucky man."
I pat him on the arm. "I'll tell him that you said that."
He laughed. "Come on. Let's go listen to your songs."
I nodded, smiling. "Okay," I said, feeling much better. "You know, I've always dreamed of hearing someone say that, but I never thought it would happen. Especially not so soon."
"Well, you'd better get used to it," he said, smiling as he gestured toward the door.
***
We spent the rest of the evening going over songs for my album and deciding which order they would be in. We had a good handle on it when Frank finally looked at his watch.
"Well, guys " Frank said, and then amended, " lady I think we've done enough for tonight. I'll send this off tomorrow, and it should be out just in time for your tour." Then, he looked over at me. "Good work, Alyssa." He leaned back and ran his fingers through his hair, clearly exhausted. "I have to tell ya. This is the quickest I've ever put an album together."
I smiled. "Well, we'll have more time to work on the next. That's for sure."
Craig shook his head. "Actually, after you get back from the tour, we're going to get you right back in the studio again. I want to release your second album as soon as you get back."
I took a deep breath. "Let's get through the first album and the tour first."
Craig laughed. "You got it."
I covered my mouth as a huge yawn escaped my lips. "Well, if you don't need me anymore, I think I need to go home and hit the hay."
Frank's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "You have a place already?"
I nodded. "Yes. And tomorrow morning, I'm going to unpack."
Frank laughed. It really had been a whirlwind.
"Don't forget," Craig interjected. "You need to meet your band tomorrow so you can start practicing."
I let out a deep breath. "Frank, can we wait one more day? I need to sleep in, get a cell phone, unpack, and get some groceries. Everything's happened so fast that I haven't even had time to breathe not that I'm complaining."
Frank looked over at Craig, and they whispered between them.
"Yes; take tomorrow off," Craig said. "We'll get back to it Saturday." Craig thought for a minute. "How do you feel about you and your band performing a few gigs around town? It'll give you all some experience with performing live before a large crowd, and the publicity couldn't hurt."
I nodded. "Sounds good." I got up and slipped my purse over my shoulder. "Frank, Craig, thank you so much for everything. I can't tell you how excited I am about this."
Both Frank and Craig smiled.
"Well, I'm afraid that you won't be seeing a lot of me until the tour," Frank said to me. "But you're in good hands with Craig." He slapped Craig on the back and then looked back at me. "But if you need me for anything, just let me know."
I nodded. "Thanks, Frank. I truly appreciate it." Then, without even thinking about it, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and gave him a little hug. "The next time you see Tasha, please tell her how much I appreciate what she did for me."
Frank smiled and nodded.
"Hey. Why don't I walk you out?" Craig asked as he quickly threw some papers into his briefcase.
I shook my head. "No. I'll be fine."
"Now wait a minute," Frank interjected. "Alyssa, don't ever leave here at night by yourself. Make sure one of us guys walk you out, you hear? It's pretty safe in this part of town, but you don't want to take the chance. Especially not at a studio."
I smiled. "Yes, sir."
"I'm serious now."
Craig laughed as he shoved his tie into his jacket pocket and picked up his briefcase. "Don't worry, Frank. I'll walk her out."
"Okay," Frank said, giving him what looked to be a warning look.
For a moment, I wondered what that was about, but I was too tired to care at the moment. I really wanted to see Logan tonight, but it was getting late and I was exhausted.
